What's the Best Way to Switch From Zoloft to Effexor XR?

I have really bad GAD and panic disorder. I had been on Effexor XR 37.5 for years and it really helped. But then I decided that I wanted to get myself off of all meds. I slowly weaned myself off, but then the panic came back. So the doctor prescribed me Zoloft. I was up to 75 mg of Zoloft and it just took the... show more I have really bad GAD and panic disorder. I had been on Effexor XR 37.5 for years and it really helped. But then I decided that I wanted to get myself off of all meds. I slowly weaned myself off, but then the panic came back. So the doctor prescribed me Zoloft. I was up to 75 mg of Zoloft and it just took the edge off, but that's it. I basically, have no life because of my panic. So I've decided to go back on Effexor and my doctor agrees. I made this decision on Friday night and saw the doctor today (Monday). In preparation, I lowered myself on Saturday down to 50 mg. Already today, my panic has been out of control. My doctor told me that I could just stop the Zoloft and go right to the Effexor 37.5 tomorrow. But I'm afraid of the side effects/withdrawals of doing that so quickly. But on the other hand, I know my panic will be super out of control if I slowly wean myself off o the Zoloft before starting the Effexor. Any suggestions of how to ease this transition? Thanks!

Answers

Best Answer: Zoloft (Sertraline genetic form) is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder (social phobia), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). It is known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

This medication may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks. It may also reduce the urge to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, and checking) that interfere with daily living. This medication works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters such as serotonin) in the brain.
How to use Zoloft Oral

Read the Medication Guide (US) or Patient Information Leaflet (Canada) available from your pharmacist before you start using sertraline and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. This medication may make you sleepy or wakeful. Therefore, depending on how this medication affects you, your doctor may direct you to take the entire dose once daily either in the morning or evening.

The tablet form of this medication may be taken with or without food. The capsule form is usually taken with food after breakfast or after your evening meal as directed by your doctor.

If you are taking this medication for premenstrual problems, your doctor may direct you to take this drug every day of the month or just for the 2 weeks before your period through the first full day of your period.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may start you at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Usually, the daily dose will not be more than 200 milligrams. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not take more or less medication or take it more frequently than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster and your risk of side effects will increase. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day.

It is important to continue taking this medication as prescribed even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased to reduce side effects. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

It may take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.

you have to be careful switching meds. I know how it feels to switch or mess up your meds. You feeling like you are going coo coo. But as for the do not take the meds..not everyone understands panic and depression. Meds make your life managable so do not feel bad about taking them just use common sense. You have to give any new med at least 2 weeks to see wht is really going to happen. I would just switch after a lower dose of Zoloft after one week. You kinda do have to just staop taking one and then start again with another.